2015 Ford Explorer vs. 2015 Ford Escape

Chicago and Manteno drivers know that Ford offers some of the best SUVs and crossovers on the market, but it can be hard to choose between the 2015 Ford Explorer and the 2015 Ford Escape. There are so many varieties of each type of vehicle that it can become confusing, so we’ve created this quick breakdown to let you know which is the right model for you.

The 2015 Ford Explorer

Boasting a bolder and more commanding presence than the smaller Escape, the 2015 Ford Explorer contains room for seven passengers across three rows of seating in its roomy cabin. It gives you a bit more room to stretch out, and it’s also more powerful than its smaller sibling.

The 2015 Explorer provides a maximum output of 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Those are strong figures for a vehicle this size. That’s enough to tow up to 5,000 pounds, which outdoes the Escape’s 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity.

That kind of power is designed for conquering the backcountry in confidence, and it’s assisted by an advanced Terrain Management System and Intelligent four-wheel-drive system that lets you shift settings to match the terrain beneath you. You’ll also enjoy AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, which uses dual gyroscopic sensors to monitor and correct your roll rate.

The 2015 Ford Escape

The 2015 Ford Escape is smaller and more agile than the immense 2015 Ford Explorer. Over 20 inches shorter, 10 inches wider, and with a lower base weight, it’s appreciably easier to drive when you’re not venturing off-road. This is a particularly handy crossover when you’re navigating either city or suburb, with parking and maneuvering being relatively simple, especially compared to the Explorer.

It’s not just easier to drive — the 2015 Ford Escape is also more efficient than the 2015 Ford Explorer. While the Explorer offers mileage ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with its available turbocharged 2.0L engine, the Escape can offer up to 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway when equipped with a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine. Combined with its much lower starting price, the Escape can potentially save Manteno drivers money over the Explorer.

The Right Model for You

The 2015 Ford Escape is a multi-purpose vehicle — a true crossover. While still handling well on the trail, it does merge back into civilization seamlessly. In contrast, the 2015 Ford Explorer has been built with off-roading in mind, so it’s the better choice in terms of rugged capability.

2015 Ford Explorer vs. 2015 Ford Escape — Drive Them Both!

If you’re planning on heading where others fear to tread, or if you want to be able to tow much larger loads and carry far more people, the 2015 Ford Explorer is the right vehicle for you. If you’re after a vehicle which is trail-ready but still small enough to drive in the city, and one which is more eco-friendly, then you should drive home in a 2015 Ford Escape. We’re confident that drivers in Chicago and Manteno, IL will find plenty to love about both, so we invite you to visit our dealership for a test drive.